瞭望 | 穿越生物医药创新“死亡之谷”

Core Viewpoint - The development of biopharmaceuticals faces significant challenges, with only about 10% of drugs surviving from research to market approval, necessitating the importance of pilot testing platforms to enhance innovation and reduce costs [1][3]. Group 1: Importance of Pilot Testing Platforms - Pilot testing platforms play a crucial role in improving the success rate of product launches by simulating actual production environments and addressing potential issues before large-scale manufacturing [2][3]. - The pilot testing platform in Taizhou Medical City has conducted over 80 batches of pilot process research and has achieved five approved innovative drugs and 48 authorized patents [2]. - The establishment of pilot testing platforms is essential for accelerating the transformation of scientific achievements into marketable products, acting as both an accelerator for research and a cost reducer [5][6]. Group 2: Cost Reduction and Efficiency - Companies utilizing pilot testing platforms have reported significant reductions in operational costs, with some reducing expenses from tens of millions to millions [5]. - The ability to conduct pilot testing in-house allows companies to source raw materials at a fraction of the cost, enhancing their competitive edge in the market [5][6]. - The pilot testing process can lead to exponential increases in the valuation of innovative drugs, as successful pilot studies can significantly enhance market potential [3][5]. Group 3: Challenges and Recommendations - There is a pressing need to expand the coverage of public pilot testing platforms to meet the diverse needs of biopharmaceutical innovation, as many companies struggle to find suitable facilities [8][9]. - The current pilot testing platforms often favor larger enterprises, leaving smaller companies at a disadvantage, highlighting the need for a more equitable distribution of resources [9][10]. - Experts recommend the establishment of digital pilot testing public service platforms and the creation of government-led funds to support the construction and operation of these platforms [10].